The Eden Project has deployed a new fleet of fully electric cars from Volvo, which are supporting its operations across its Cornwall home and further afield.

The fleet of nine new fully electric XC40 cars have replaced a previous group of Volvo EVs, which have been supporting the Eden Project’s work while wrapped in a distinctive Rainforest Biome-themed livery since 2021.

Eden will also take delivery of Volvo’s brand-new EX30, which was revealed last summer and took the Best EV Small SUV title at this year’s Great British Fleet Awards.

Boasting the smallest carbon footprint and highest proportion of recycled materials of any fully electric Volvo car to date, the EX30 will be exhibited in a specially landscaped and planted parking space outside Eden’s Biomes to help inspire visitors about how they can boost the biodiversity of their own driveway.

The new fleet vehicles feature standout decals, which reflect the Eden site with Biome and rainforest imagery. The updated design incorporates the new Eden Project brand world, which was unveiled at the end of 2023, including the new logo and distinctive curve design that represents the non-linear journey to a more sustainable future.

An additional fully electric XC40 will be on display in one of the main car parks near the Visitor Centre, to showcase the benefits of fully electric vehicles and inform thousands of Eden Project visitors.

The fleet and activities are part of an ongoing partnership in which Volvo Car UK is the Official Electric Car Partner of the Eden Project and Presenting Partner of the Eden Sessions annual live music series.

Rita Broe, managing director of the Eden Sessions and Eden Project Director, said: “It’s very exciting to have taken delivery of this fleet of beautiful new pure electric cars. Not only do they help us to do our work around the Eden site and beyond, they are also very popular with visitors, who enjoy seeing them around the site, and they are emblematic of the values that we share with Volvo in protecting the natural world.

“We’re very proud of our relationship with Volvo, which truly walks the talk on sustainable manufacturing and products. We are planning many joint activities with Volvo, which will help to educate a wider audience about the benefits of electric vehicles.”

Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo Car UK managing director, said: “We are delighted to continue to support the Eden Project with its vital work in educating and inspiring people to protect the planet and create a safer future for everyone.

“At Volvo Cars, we have some of the most ambitious sustainability targets in the industry, so the Eden Project is the ideal partner for us to work with to share our values and vision, and continue to be a catalyst for change.”

Volvo Cars has recently expanded its sustainability strategy, setting new ambitious goals for 2030 and 2040 that include slashing CO2 emissions and energy usage in operations.

The company is also boosting its focus on biodiversity and, by 2025, aims to have 100% of its debt linked to its Green Financing Framework or in a sustainability-linked format.